Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion National Historic Event
Toronto, Ontario
Members of the "Mac-Paps" in Spain
© Papineau-Mackenzie Battalion | Bataillon Papineau-Mackenzie/ Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / e002712814
Address :
Queen's Park Crescent West, Toronto, Ontario
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1985-06-17
Other Name(s):
-
Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion
(Designation Name)
Importance:
Volunteer force formed to oppose Fascists in Spanish Civil War, 1937-39
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Queen's Park Crescent West, Toronto, Ontario
The "Mac-Paps" were a unit of the International Brigades, a volunteer force recruited world-wide to oppose the fascist forces bent on overthrowing the government of Spain. Formed in Spain in 1937, the battalion was named for the leaders of the 1837 rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada. Despite their government's opposition, more than 1,500 Canadians volunteered to fight with the Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War. They fought courageously for their ideals, suffering heavy losses in major battles. About half survived to return home in 1939.